Code 3 FDNY Ladder 26 - America LaFrance TDA (13049)

Code 3 FDNY Ladder 26 - America Lafrance TDA (13049)

Scale: 1/64
Release: December 2010
Edition Quantity: 3,000
Dimensions: L-10 X W-2 X H 2

The FDNY Ladder 26 is an exciting new release for Code 3 and collectors. This detailed model of the famous American LaFrance 900 Series Tractor Drawn Aerial is an excellent replica from a bygone era. When first introduced this was a "state of the art" fire rig and over the years it adapted to the changing needs of the firefighters. FDNY had a fleet of the 900 Series Rigs in Open Cab versions that soon were changed to have a protective cover that protected the Firefighters in the changing world of the 60's. These cabs, made of plywood, were fashioned by the FDNY itself and used until American LaFrance could roll out the enclosed cab version.

The 13049 Code 3 model is a replica of the famous Ladder 26 rig. The apparatus is a 1968 American La France 900 series 100 foot tractor-drawn aerial, with FDNY registration number of 481. It entered service as Ladder 26 on March 8, 1968, replacing a 1960 ALF open cab tractor-drawn aerial. It was one of twelve identical ALFs delivered that year, followed by four virtually identical 1969 models.

Ladder 26 was originally organized as a double ladder company, at 52 East 114th Street, Manhattan, on July 1, 1904, with separate ladder trucks, officers and firefighters in each of the two sections. Ladder 26, moved into their present quarters with Engine 58 at 1367 Fifth Avenue, Manhattan on March 10, 1960. Known as "The Fire Factory", for many years they have been one of the busiest ladder companies in the FDNY. In 2009, they were the third busiest FDNY ladder company with 4,279 runs, of which 3,006 were classed as workers. Since inception, they have had many unit citations and individual valor medal winners.